Wilmington, N.C.- Yes, the byline to this story is Wilmington, because that is where I am physically sitting as I type this- but it could have easily been Grandfather Mountain, or maybe some place in the Outer Banks, perhaps a city like Asheville or Charlotte. You see, even though I am sitting in Wilmington, I have access to it all. Each of these locations is just a short road trip away.
Think of it like a ripple effect.
When someone buys a home, especially in a new town, it’s kind of like throwing a rock into the water. That first ripple is the house itself; Is it what you’re looking for, does it meet your needs? That’s immediately followed by the second ripple which covers the surrounding area; what are the neighborhood amenities, how are the schools, how far will I be to the beach?
As the small waves from the rock keep forming eventually you get to the ripple that covers an entire region. Because in truth you’re not just moving to a new home or a new town, you’re really moving to a new adventure. Finding the perfect house, in the perfect neighborhood, in the perfect part of town, has everything to do with your day-to-day life. It is the fourth or maybe fifth ripple, the one that covers the surrounding areas, that adds to the quality of life, because that’s the ripple you get to escape to – the one you get to explore.
It’s that ripple that covers the great summer, weekend road trip!
Below are five destinations that make for a perfect weekend adventure. In building the list we had some self governing rules. First we wanted the locations to be in North Carolina. This eliminated other great travel options like Savannah (roughly 4 and a half hour drive) and Charleston (slightly more than a 3 hour drive).
The second rule was it had to be a weekend trip, just far enough away from the Cape Fear region that it requires an overnight stay. This mandate only took Raleigh off our list. There’s tons to do in Raleigh/Durham area, but it’s less than a two hour drive, so we consider it more of a day trip.
What follows is the type of locations where you can leave after work on Friday, get to your destination a few hours later, spend all day Saturday exploring, grab brunch Sunday morning, and be home by that evening.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
All though most Americans associate the Smoky Mountains with Tennessee, the eastern half of the park is located in North Carolina. The nation’s number 1 most visited park has an entrance in Cherokee North Carolina. I made this journey back in 2021. The views are amazing! If you are a hiker or love wild life than this trip is a must. Altogether there are 800 miles of trail and countless species including deer, birds, elk, foxes and bears.
Drive Time from the Cape Fear Region: 6 hours
If you have an extra day; Go tubing in Bryson City, North Carolina. Located just west of the park entrance, tubing is the biggest summer activity in town. Several private rental companies offer van service that take you to one location the Deep Creek River, and pick up several hours later a few miles down stream.
Outer Banks
The Outer Banks is a series of barrier islands that’s situated in the middle of the Atlantic. If you love lighthouses then bring your camera because the Outer Banks are home to five different structures each one distinctly from the others. The towns of Nags Head and Kitty Hawk are the most popular OBX destinations. Each town offers charming seaside restaurants and shops. Kitty Hawk is also home to the Wright Brothers National Memorial. History lovers can also check out the North Carolina Maritime Museum which has a huge section dedicated to Black Beard and his Queen Anne’s Revenge pirate ship.
Drive Time from the Cape Fear Region: Approximately 4 1/2 hours to northern Outer Banks locations, and 2 hours to the southern Outer Banks Crystal Coast communities
If you have an extra day; If you are willing to travel to northernmost islands you can search for the famed wild horses that still roam the sand dunes.
Charlotte
Charlotte is North Carolina’s most populated city. It’s the perfect weekend trip when you’re missing big city attractions. Like all major metropolitan areas, the Queen City can lay claim to being the cultural and economic hub of the state. Sports fans will love the NASCAR Hall of Fame and the nearby Motor Speedway- if you wait until the fall professional football and basketball (along with a new soccer team!) are also options. Fine dining and shopping can be found throughout the downtown which offers scores of options all within walking distance- Charlotte was ranked as America’s most walkable city. If you’re bringing the kids along it may be worth spending a day at Carowinds- North Carolina’s largest amusement park.
Drive Time from the Cape Fear Region: Approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes
If you have an extra day; Check out the Billy Graham Library and museum. The facility measures 40,000 square foot, with exhibits dedicated to the life and message of the man who is often called America’s Pastor.
Asheville, Blue Ridge Parkway & Chimney Rock State Park
Asheville sits in the shadows of the majestic Blue Mountains. With a population under 100k this is hardly a big city. It has more of an artistic feel to it with a number of galleries and street performers including a town drum circle. There is also a ton of live music. The Biltmore Estate is only a few miles outside of town. For a fee visitors can tour the mansion and the 8,000 acre grounds. If you’re willing to pay, it’s also possible to spend a night at the Biltmore in one of its 35 bedrooms. But the beauty of this part of the state is not the destination, it’s getting there. A road trip to Asheville requires a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway
Drive Time from the Cape Fear Region: Roughly 5 hours and 15 minutes
If you have an extra day; Chimney Rock State Park (pictured here) is about a half hour drive from downtown Asheville. It’s considered one of the most iconic locations in the state. From the viewing deck it is estimated that visitors can see from 75 to 100 miles in any direction.
Grandfather Mountain
This is one of my favorite photographs of my son. It was taken in 2018 at Grandfather Mountain, which is the highest peak in North Carolina. The mountain was actually a privately owned attraction until 2008, when it was sold to North Carolina and turned into a state park. All together the park makes up some 2,600 acres with a number of different trails for hikers. The most famous attraction at Grandfather Mountain is the swinging bridge which is a mile high. Fun fact, in the movie Forest Gump this is one of the locations where Forest jogs through on his run across America.
Drive Time from the Cape Fear Region: Roughly 5 hours and 30 minutes
If you have an extra day; This part of the state has a number of charming mountain towns; Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, Beech Mountain. All of these locations are busy and hectic during the winter ski season, but in the summer months they are tranquil and peaceful settings. These towns range in size from just under 1,000 residents up to maybe 5,000. They all offer locally owned restaurants and boutiques- antiquing is very big here. If you’re looking for something a little bigger then you should check out Boone- it’s the home of Appalachian State University, and has a population just north of 18,000.